Supply Lines
June 2007
On the Road Again
On-highway trucks and their accessories boast a variety of options to keep your operation efficient and productive.
by Tina Grady Barbaccia, Senior Editor
Western Star
Self-contained generator sets
Western
Star Trucks has introduced three new Stratosphere sleepers, which
are the broadest line of walk-through sleepers in the industry,
according to the manufacturer. The sleepers now come in 40-, 54-, and
82-inch sizes, the latter of which is said to be the industry’s largest
sleeper by interior volume.
Power generator sets are now available as a factory-installed item. The auxiliary power units (APUs) are quiet, self-contained generator sets that provide for sleeper heat and air-conditioning without requiring the truck to idle and feature 120-volt outlets for appliance use.
Peterbilt
Better low-beam performance
Peterbilt’s new Model 367 and Model 365 on-highway trucks feature a new lighting system with 50 percent greater low-beam performance and 600 percent longer bulb life in a corrosion-resistant package, the company says. The Model 367 also is available in a heavy-haul configuration that features a high-capacity cooling system. Both models have a new bumper that is able to accommodate both a center hook configuration and a dual, removable pin configuration that meet TMC towing requirements. The trucks are available in up to 600 horsepower, and axle configurations include 4 by 2, 4 by 4, 6 by 4, 6 by 6, 8 by 6, and optional lift axles. Manual, automated, and automatic transmissions and a heavy-duty suspension also are options.
Sterling Trucks
Changes for 2007
The Set-Back Sterling from Sterling Trucks features several standard changes for this year. These include cab air mounts that now replace rubber mounts and stationary extreme outboard single, right-hand vertical exhaust as standard features. Air conditioning now is also standard. The trucks, designed for long- and regional-haul applications, are available in day cab tractor or highway hauler configurations. The setback front axle improves maneuverability and enhances weight distribution for maximized payloads, according to the company.
The trucks also feature engine changes. New, low-emission U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 2007 proprietary diesel engines are available. The engines in these trucks have been adapted to incorporate various electronic and mechanical upgrades as well as the addition of an after-treatment device (ATD) to achieve the required emissions levels. Battery boxes, fuel tanks, and air tanks have been relocated to accommodate the ATD packaging. The front frame of the engines also have been modified to accommodate the larger radiators needed to cool the engines.
SAF-Holland
World’s lightest fifth wheel
The Holland Aluminum Fifth Wheel From SAF-Holland Inc. is designed for standard-duty applications and rated for 55,000 pounds in maximum vertical load and 150,000 pounds in maximum drawbar pull. According to the company, it is 100 pounds lighter than competitive fifth wheels, making it the lightest-weight fifth wheel in the industry and enabling haulers to load 100 pounds more per trip. The wheel is backed by the company’s five-year/500,000-mile performance guarantee.
Kenworth
Increased payload capacity
Kenworth
Truck Co. has announced plans to offer the Caterpillar C9 engine for
Kenworth’s W900S mixer, T800 short hood, and T800 front-engine power
take-off (FEPTO) configurations. The company plans to offer the
Caterpillar C9 with 350 horsepower and 1,250 foot-pounds of torque at
2,200 rpm and the 335 horsepower version with 1,150 foot-pounds of
torque at 2,200 rpm.
Unimog
Tackles extreme jobs
Hub reduction portal axles, front- and rear-differential locks, and availability of up to 24 gears in forward and reverse at speeds from 0.07 mph to 70.0 mph enables users of the Unimog U 500 construction truck platform to take on the most extreme of construction jobs, the company ways. The truck is equipped with Mercedes-Benz 260 horsepower electronic MBE900 six-cylinder diesel engine, an eight-speed automated manual transmission with Telligent shifting, a high-performance hydraulic system, and joystick with one and two circuits. Quick disconnect couplings are available for the front and rear of the truck. Single, double, and double proportional systems also are available. Other major features include the following: a three-side tipper interchangeable platform; high-capacity pintle hooks for towing loads up to 45,000 pounds; high-performance hydraulics for powering winches or tools; and engine and transmission PTO options for powering hydraulic pumps and front-mounted implements.
Volvo
Tracks, communicates productivity
The
Volvo Link Sentry onboard vehicle monitoring and communications system
from Volvo Trucks
North America tracks and communicates key productivity and
performance information each week for individual trucks. Some of the
data reported include the following: fuel used; distance traveled and
miles per gallon based on RPM “sweet spot” and preset road speeds
(operations above or below preset roads speeds are tracked, and the
truck owner can control these limits from the Internet); cruise control;
idle time and fuel consumed; total fuel used for the week; low battery
voltage; diesel particulate filter status; and diagnostic code summary.
Each fleet’s information is kept on a secure Web site.
The system also features interventions by Volvo Enhanced Stability Technology (VEST), such as anti-lock brake activations, traction control assistance, and wheel spinouts. This feature, which will be standard on all of the company’s on-highway trucks, was slated to go into production in June 2007. Trucks built prior to June 2007 will receive this software update to their Sentry at no charge.
Mack Trucks
EPA 2007-certified engines
The Granite MP Engine series from Mack Trucks is now available in U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 2007-certified versions in the company’s Maxidyne, Econodyne, and MaxiCruise engine families. This series is available in both forward- and rear-axle configurations. The MP7, 11-liter engine comes in six horsepower ratings between 325 and 405 horsepower, with torque ranging from 1,260 to 1,560 foot-pounds. This engine features a 300-hour or 15,000-mile oil drain interval. The MP8, 13-liter engine is available in ratings from 415 to 485 horsepower and matched to torque levels from 1,540 to 1,700 foot-pounds.
The engine series also features the MAC IV, the next generation of Mack’s Vehicle Management and Control System. The system provides a wide variety of customer-programmable features to help boost productivity, efficiency, and profitability.
Safety Vision
Enhances visibility, safety
The SV-LCD70 monitor from Safety Vision’s Mobile Collision Avoidance System is designed to withstand the rigorous driving and operating conditions of the mining industry. The thin film transistor (TFT) liquid crystal display (LCD), 7-inch monitor features four camera inputs, a built-in speaker, auto dimmer, and switchable camera views with multiple display modes for full coverage viewing. An optional ram mount accessory to further increase monitor stability is available. The monitor operates on 10 to 32 volts direct current (VDC) power and turns on automatically when the vehicle transmission is placed in reverse. When connected to a camera with an integrated microphone, the monitor’s adjustable speaker allows the user to hear activity behind the vehicle. The monitor operates with the SV-620 rear-, side-, or forward-view collision avoidance camera color camera, which has a wide temperature operating range and features infrared technology; water-resistant housing and a threaded-metallic DIN-sealed connector; backlight compensation; image reversal (mirror view or true view); and an integrated auto-iris and microphone.
Caterpillar
Increases fuel economy
The
C9 engine from
Caterpillar
Inc. has received 2007 on-highway certification from the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the final engine from the company
to be submitted for and receive the certification. The certification
closely follows that of the C7, C13, and C15 engines, which were
EPA-certified in November 2006. The 9.3-liter, 1,650-pound C9 is
equipped with the company’s ACERT Technology and features expanded
horsepower rating of 285 to 425 horsepower. It also features increased
torque ratios (890 to 1,350 foot-pounds of torque at 1,400 rpm), and a
new compression brake. A Cat common rail fuel system also optimizes
on-highway performance with injection flexibility to meet 2007 emissions
standards as it increases fuel economy by up to 4 percent, according to
the manufacturer. At Aggregates Manager press time, the C9 engine was
scheduled to be in production during the second quarter of 2007.
Zonar Systems
Verified inspections
Zonar Systems’ Electronic Vehicle Inspection Reports (EVIR) system is ideal for any fleet that wants precise, timely, and verified vehicle inspection reports, according to the company. The system is composed of a handheld radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, wireless communication, and Web-based software applications to guide drivers through a vehicle inspection, record and identify what is found. The results then can be communicated to maintenance managers either via modem or wirelessly.
The system has three hardware elements: The Zonar 2010 handheld unit, self-adhesive RFID tags, and a cradle that mounts inside the cab. The system meets all U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requirements for electronic driver vehicle inspection reports.
Aerodynamic Trailer Systems
Reduces trailer drag
The FuelSaver system currently under development by Aerodynamic Trailer Systems (ATS) is an aerodynamic, add-on device that reduces drag and improves fuel economy for long-haul tractor-trailers. The device has been designed to mount on the rear face of the trailer. Engineering for the product has been completed, a patent is pending, and the device is expected to be in commercial use by the end of this year, according to the company. Beta tests are scheduled for this summer.
The system features an inflatable dual-lobe boattail (for use on swing-door trailers) and an independent on-board air supply system. Deflation occurs under vacuum thus allowing the doors to fold flat against the sides of the trailer. According to ATS, benefits for the device include the following: unimpeded access to the cargo space; 7.3-percent reduction in drag; 3.1-percent improvement in fuel economy; reduced emissions; improved handling qualities that reduce driver fatigue; improved highway safety; extended tire life; and fully automated hands-free operation with the option for driver controls. The company also says the device requires minimal maintenance and has an eight- to 10-year life expectancy.
Hino
Meets new EPA standards
All
of Hino Trucks’ 2007 model year engines now have received the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency’s Certification of Conformity. The 2007
engine family that has met these emissions standards consists of the
JO5D-TF, four-cylinder and the JO8E-TV and TW, six-cylinder engines,
which are available in two horsepower ratings.
